Elvis Costello - “National Ransom”

This title track from Costello’s new record once again teams the singer/songwriter with legendary producer T-Bone Burnett for a rocking good time.  The song’s lyrics rail against the government, Wall Street and other frequent targets of Costello’s angst, amid a backdrop of screaming guitar and general cacophony.  The full album, which features the full lineup of backing band the Imposters along with guests like Leon Russell and Marc Ribot, is due for release on November 2.

Jenny & Johnny - “Big Wave”

This latest collaboration from Rilo Kiley’s Jenny Lewis and her boyfriend Johnathan Rice mines 60’s pop in both melody and the buzzing, aquatic guitars that recall the Ventures or early Beach Boys. From their upcoming record I’m Having Fun Now, this pairing inspired Elvis Costello to use the duo on his recent record Momofuku. Rice also appeared with Lewis on her solo records Rabbit Fur Coat and Acid Tongue. 

Elvis Costello - “Radio, Radio”

In honor of his appearances in North Texas last week, including two nights with the Dallas Symphony at the Meyerson, here’s the man born Declan Patrick MacManus with one of his defining songs.  Closing out 1978’s This Year’s Model, “Radio, Radio” is a biting criticism of what Costello felt was a conformist and controlling music industry.  He notoriously stopped another song in mid-performance on Saturday Night Live and launched into “Radio, Radio,” which angered NBC and kept him off the show for over a decade.